Encased resistance cable portable exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercising apparatus includes a platform adaptable to permit standing, sitting, supine and step-up exercises, and a means for generating a resistance force to enable an individual to employ isometric exercise of the major muscle groups while supported at least in part on the platform. An exercise apparatus includes a platform and one or more guide members running along the bottom of the platform, from one side to the opposite side of said platform, one or more resistance cables, each inserted through a different guide member. Cables can be provided with connectors attached to cable ends. User interface members can be attached to connectors. Resistance cables may each have a different resistance strength.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise apparatus for carrying out a number of exercises to strengthen and condition the major muscle groups in the body.

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular and isometric exercise is required to maintain a healthy physical and mental wellness. In this regard, many forms of exercise equipment have been designed to achieve good health. For example, known exercise apparatuses employ weights to be lifted through a range of motion for exercising specific muscles of the body. Other known apparatuses utilize friction mechanisms to generate a resistance proportion to relative movement of certain components of the exercising device. Another form of exercise equipment uses springs, rubber bands, surgical tubing or bungee cables to produce elastic resistance to movement in a particular direction.

Multiple-exercise apparatuses conveniently allow individuals to engage in both aerobic and anaerobic exercise for overall toning and strengthening of every major muscle group. In particular, the resistance-platform apparatuses are particularly well suited for providing both aerobic and anaerobic exercise because these types of exercise apparatuses provide both an isometric strengthening, as well as cardiovascular training. For example, an individual is free to use a heavy resistance to isolate and strengthen a particular muscle group and/or achieve a cardiovascular workout by using light resistance at higher repetitions and switching from one muscle group to the next in a series of different exercises.

The following represents a list of known related art: Reference: Issued to: Date of Issue: 5,792,034 Kozlovsky Aug. 11, 1998 5,529,562 Glaser Jun. 25, 1996 5,484,368 Chang Jan. 16, 1996 5,261,864 Fitzpatrick Nov. 16, 1993 4,645,204 Berger Feb. 24, 1987 4,376,533 Kolbel Mar. 15, 1983 4,195,835 Hinds et al. Apr. 1, 1980 2,025,010 Rawlings Mar. 24, 1936 1,610,324 Roche et al. Dec. 14, 1926 Des. 348,707 Cordell Jul. 12, 1994

The teachings of each of the above-listed citations (which does not itself incorporate essential material by reference) are herein incorporated by reference. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

SUMMARY AND ADVANTAGES

The exercise apparatus of the present invention is adaptable to permit standing, sitting, supine and step-up exercises, and generates resistance force to enable an individual to employ isometric exercise of the major muscle groups while supported at least in part on the platform. The exercise apparatus includes a platform adapted to be substantially vertically and horizontally positionable, one or more guide members running along the bottom of the platform, from one side to the opposite side of said platform, one or more resistance cables, each inserted through a different guide member. Connectors can be attached to cable ends. User interface members can be attached to connectors. Resistance cables may each have a different resistance strength. Floor-engaging pedestals can be provided to attach to the bottom of thee platform to elevate the support surface for step-up exercises.

The apparatus allows a user to do squat exercises safely, without a spotter. The apparatus allows the user to control resistance on cable ends to perform one leg exercises and one arm exercises. The apparatus allows the flexibility to incorporate add on features. The apparatus allows the user to perform multiple cardio exercises. The apparatus may be mounted on a solid structure for use with cable pulley system or bracketed on bottom for adaptation to wheelchair use. The apparatus is compact and lightweight for portability. Apparatus allows user to perform cardiovascular exercises such as cardio resistance stepping, cardio resistance rowing, and cardio resistance stationary jogging. Apparatus allows user to target specific muscle groups such as the gluts (the rear end), the abdominals, legs, including calves, thighs, and hams, arms, including forearms, biceps, and triceps, the pectorals, the shoulders, and the back.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Further benefits and advantages of the embodiments of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description given with reference to the accompanying drawings, which specify and show preferred embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles and implementations of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention flipped over.

FIG. 3 shows a view of the embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 shows a view of the embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows and embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before beginning a detailed description of the subject invention, mention of the following is in order. When appropriate, like reference materials and characters are used to designate identical, corresponding, or similar components in differing figure drawings. The figure drawings associated with this disclosure typically are not drawn with dimensional accuracy to scale, i.e., such drawings have been drafted with a focus on clarity of viewing and understanding rather than dimensional accuracy.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application- and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, an exercise apparatus 10 is provided. Exercise apparatus 10 includes a platform 20 and one or more resistance cables 30 through guide members 40 as a means for generating a resistance force. Connectors 52 can be attached to cable ends. User interface members 54, 56 can be attached to connectors. Resistance cables may each have a different resistance strength. Floor-engaging pedestals 24 can be provided to attach to the bottom of the platform to elevate the support surface for step-up exercises.

Referring to FIG. 1, the platform 20 has a top, bottom, and sides, and is shaped and constructed from plastics injection molding or other materials recognized by one of ordinary skill for supporting the human body during exercise. Platform is adapted to be substantially vertically and horizontally positionable. Platform is sufficiently lightweight and portable in design to permit easy handling. Top of platform 20 establishes a support surface 22. The support surface 22 provides a stable surface for the individual to engage in exercise from a standing, sitting, kneeling, squatting, or supine position. Preferably, the platform 20 is slightly curved on the sides where the cables 30 and guide members 40 come up to allow a smoother ride for the resistance cable 30 versus a 90 degree which tends to pinch. Those skilled in the art will know that the platform 20 can come in different sizes and shapes.

Pedestals 24 form the bottom portion of the platform 20. The pedestals 24 engage the floor and elevate the support surface 22. An individual may step on and off the support surface 22 as a variation or cardiovascular addition to the workout. Additional spacer blocks (not shown) can be fitted under the pedestals to further increase the platform height. Spacer blocks can add height and steps thereby increasing the cardiovascular element of the workouts.

In addition, risers 26 positioned atop the support surface 22, increase the height of the platform 20. Essentially, an individual may use a step from the floor to the support surface 22 and a second step from the support surface 22 to the risers 26. When the apparatus 10 is positioned vertically for sitting-exercises, abutting the sides of the feet against the risers 26 stabilizes the apparatus 10. In an alternative embodiment, 26 risers can be moved and positioned at either end of the platform 20, extending the length of the platform 20 to allow a user performing exercises laying down or sitting down to have a greater expanse to position the user upon.

The platform 20 may further include a handle 28 for easy carrying and wheels for rollably supporting at least a portion of the platform 20, a hinge to allow the apparatus to be folded up, and hardware attached to the platform 20 to secure the cables 30 when they are not in use. In an alternative embodiment, platform 20 can be the seat of a chair.

One or more guide members 40 run along the bottom of the platform 20, from one side to the opposite side of said platform. Guide members 40, each having a first end and a second end, can be made of rubber, steel, plastic, or other material known to those skilled in the art suitable for allowing a resistance cable 30 to freely traverse through the length of the guide member 40. Guide members 40 can be attached to platform by glue, bonding, mounts, and other suitable methods for attachment known to those skilled in the art. In an alternative embodiment, platform can be provided with tubes or cavities running through the body of the platform from sidewall to opposite sidewall, acting as guide members 40 for the cables 30.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, one or more resistance cables 30 provide means to generate a resistance force. The resistance cables 30, each having a first cable end and a second cable end, are substantially inextensible in order to provide an isometric resistance to the muscle groups when the cables 30 are subjected to a stretching force. The resistance cables 30 can be bungee cables, surgical rubber tubing, rubber bands or similar materials recognized by one of ordinary skill that have substantial tensile strength with the tendency or ability to return to their original length upon cessation of the stretching force. The resistance cables 30 may have different degrees of resistance, allowing an individual to exercise at both light resistances and heavy resistances. In addition, a plurality of resistance cables 30 may be combined or included to have multiple strands associated with one another to increase the degree of resistance even further.

The resistance cables 30 are slidably connected to the platform 20 between the pedestals 24 via guide members 40 attached to the sides and bottom of the platform 20, so that the free ends of the cables 30 emerge from beneath the platform 20 at opposite sides. Each cable 30 is trained through a different guide member 40. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6, and 7, the cable 30 slidably inserts through the sleeve like guide member 40 such that that if one side of the cable 30 is pulled harder it pulls cable 30 through the guide member 40 from the other side. The cables 30 can be easily interchanged at the platform. This allows user to raise the resistance level by exchanging a higher resistance cable for a lesser one.

Guide members 40 can be configured to have an open slit along the bottom wall of the guide member 40, farthest from the platform, to allow a cable 30 to be easily removed and replaced with a different cable, with different resistance strength.

The ends of the cables 30 may be provided with connectors 52 by which the cables 30 can be attached to user interface members, such as handgrips 54, adjustable ankle and wrist cuffs, stirrups, a bar 56 to receive each end of the free ends of cables 30, and a squat belt. The interface members enable a range of different exercises to be performed. The connectors 52 include such means of fastening known by those skilled in the art including rings and snap rings.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 7, cables 30 can be variably trained through the guide member 40. For example, one end can be trained through the guide member 40 so that it is substantially longer in length than its opposing end. This is useful for working one side of the body or purposely exercising asymmetrical muscles for rehabilitation due to injury or trauma, for varying the resistance in one end of a cable 30, and for providing greater length on a cable 30 end for fuller range of workout motion.

FIGS. 5, 6, 7 illustrate various modes of operation of use of the exercise apparatus 10. Adjustments for carrying out various exercises can be accomplished by adjusting the training of the cables 30 in the guide members to change the relative lengths of the cable 30 ends. Apparatus allows user to perform cardiovascular exercises such as cardio resistance stepping, cardio resistance rowing, and cardio resistance stationary jogging. Apparatus allows user to target specific muscle groups such as the gluts (the rear end), the abdominals, legs, including calves, thighs, and hams, arms, including forearms, biceps, and triceps, the pectorals, the shoulders, and the back.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications and changes may be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. It will, of course, be understood that modifications of the invention, in its various aspects, will be apparent to those skilled in the art, some being apparent only after study, others being matters of routine mechanical, chemical and electronic design. No single feature, function or property of the preferred embodiment is essential. Other embodiments are possible, their specific designs depending upon the particular application. As such, the scope of the invention should not be limited by the particular embodiments herein described but should be defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. 

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a platform, having a top, bottom, and sides, wherein the platform is adapted to be substantially vertically and horizontally positionable, and wherein the top is a substantially flat support surface; and a sleeved means for generating a resistance force for exercising muscle groups of the body of a user.
 2. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a platform, having a top, bottom, and sides, wherein the platform is adapted to be substantially vertically and horizontally positionable, and wherein the top is a substantially flat support surface; at least one guide member, each guide member having a first end and a second end, attached to the platform and running along the bottom of the platform, from one side to the opposite side of said platform; and at least one resistance cable, each resistance cable trained through a different guide member, and each resistance cable having a first cable end and a second cable end.
 3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of first and second connectors, wherein each first connector and each second connector is attached to a different first and second cable end, respectively.
 4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of first and second user interface members, wherein each first interface member and each second interface member is attached to a different first and second cable end, respectively.
 5. The exercise apparatus of claims 2-4, wherein each resistance cable has a different resistance strength. 